Leicester-based academy Helicentre Aviation have announced they will shortly be taking enrollments for a BSc (Hons) Professional Aviation Pilot Practice Degree / Higher Apprenticeship which will allow graduates to obtain the degree alongside their professional helicopter pilot’s licence.

The BSc will be open to UK, EU and international students, with UK and EU students benefiting from the UK Government’s Student Loan and Grant scheme if eligible.

The programme is jointly validated with Middlesex University and has been developed by Helicentre Aviation and the Aviation Skills Partnership. It will also be available for existing trainees and qualified pilots, and has been developed to meet the requirements of both a degree and a higher apprenticeship. This innovative combination means that when a student is training independently or as an apprentice the requirements for both programmes are met.

Captain Sarah Bowen, Managing Director at Helicentre Aviation said "We are exceptionally proud of this achievement and are very much looking forward to the first enrollments. The programme will greatly benefit the industry, and in particular the next generation of helicopter pilots, many of whom will be eligible for financial assistance. Training more helicopter pilots is a step in the right direction towards dealing with the industry-wide pilot shortage and will also create many additional employment and apprenticeship opportunities within our own organisation."

Sarah Bowen (centre) with members of the Aviation Skills Partnership and representatives from other degree partners when the announcement was made at the FLYER Professional Flight Training Exhibition.

ASP’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Simon Witts added “It has been a busy and exciting year and we have been delighted by the interest, enthusiasm and support shown for the professional pilot programme. The passion and drive from young people hoping to build an aviation career never fails to impress me and I am delighted that Helicentre Aviation and Middlesex will shortly be ready to take the first helicopter students on board.”

New pilots will be able to apply to the BSc degree programme through UCAS code X90N (campus code for Helicentre Aviation will be released shortly) or enrol directly by contacting Helicentre Aviation. Those undergoing training or who have already graduated can speak directly to Aviation Skills Partnership, Middlesex or Helicentre Aviation about transferring into the scheme.

Those interested in enrolling should register their interest at www.flyheli.co.uk/degree